From:
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Date: 2002-10-19 05:11:53 UTC
Subject: treating splenomegaly ferret for Helicobacter
To: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
Message-ID: <74.24ffb68f.2ae24399@aol.com>
If this is sent to the list twice, I apologize. I'm having a lot of trouble
accessing the FHL through Smartgroups.
I have a SF ferret (approximately 5 years old) showing splenomegaly and
possibly very early adrenal symptoms. Earlier this year, she was treated for
dehydration as a result of intermittent diarrhea, and Amoxicillin and
Prednisolone were prescribed to little avail.
She was seen by her veterinarian this week, and blood was taken for a CBC and
SMAC 1 profile, both of which were "completely normal." Per vet's
suggestion, we are just observing for adrenal symptoms now.
After reading Dr. Williams articles on splenomegaly
http://www.ferretcentral.org/faq/med/spleen.html and Helicobacter
http://www.ferretcentral.org/faq/med/ulcers.html , which I have printed for
discussion with my vet, it would seem that my ferret may be suffering from
repeated Helicobacter infections causing the inflammatory response of her GI
system and spleen. I am drawing the conclusion that we should treat her with
the appropriate combination of medications for a Helicobacter infection.
Any comments? Has there been any progress toward a blood test for
Helicobacter infections as mentioned in Dr. William's article?
I have 19 other ferrets, all of which have probably been exposed to this
ferret's feces at some point. In the Helicobacter FAQ, Dr. William's
suggests only treating animals with clinical signs. Anyone agree/disagree
with that suggestion? Aside from watching for abnormal stools, is there
anything I can do to determine if any other ferrets (which presumably all
have a mild infection) need treatment?
Thank you,
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